If you’re responsible for a business, rental property, or workplace, chances are you’ve asked:
“Where can I buy fire extinguishers?”
The short answer? Almost anywhere. But the more important question is:
“Where can I buy the right fire extinguishers—and make sure they’re installed, commissioned, and compliant?”
In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of buying online vs using a fire safety specialist, and why taking the DIY route isn’t always the bargain it seems.
Buying Fire Extinguishers Online
There are plenty of websites that sell fire extinguishers—some of them even through familiar platforms like Amazon, Screwfix or direct fire safety suppliers.
You’ll find a range of:
- Water, foam, CO₂, powder and wet chemical extinguishers
- Different sizes, ratings and brands
- Attractive prices and next-day delivery
But here’s the catch: buying an extinguisher is only the first step.
To be legally compliant in the UK, a fire extinguisher must also be:
- Commissioned by a competent person
- Installed correctly, following British Standard BS 5306-8
- Fitted with appropriate signage, often overlooked when buying online
- Accompanied by documentation, including service records and asset tags
So while online buying looks convenient, it doesn’t make you compliant—and that’s where people often go wrong.
What Is Commissioning?
Commissioning is the process of:
- Unboxing and inspecting the extinguisher on site
- Checking the pressure gauge and anti-tamper seal
- Ensuring the unit hasn’t been damaged in transit
- Confirming the correct type and location for the building’s fire risks
- Applying an official maintenance label and entering it into your fire logbook
This must be done by a competent person—typically trained and accredited through schemes like BAFE or FIA.
Without it, your extinguisher might be:
- Unusable
- Placed in the wrong location
- Non-compliant, and potentially invalid for insurance or enforcement purposes
What About Installation and Signage?
Fire extinguishers must be:
- Mounted securely at the correct height (usually 1.0–1.2m from floor to handle)
- Paired with fire extinguisher ID signs showing type, usage, and what not to use it on
- Visible and accessible, not hidden behind doors or under desks
These steps are all outlined in BS 5306-8—and if they’re skipped or guessed, you’re leaving yourself open to risk.
Why Use a Fire Safety Specialist Like ESI?
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we take care of everything—properly and professionally.
Instead of ordering online and hoping you get it right, we’ll:
- Supply the correct fire extinguishers for your specific risks and property type
- Commission and install them on-site in line with UK regulations
- Provide correct signage and mounting
- Issue a commissioning certificate for your fire safety logbook
- Advise on servicing, testing, and legal responsibilities
And the best part?
It’s often no more expensive than buying online—especially once you factor in the cost of:
- Delivery
- Wall brackets or stands
- Signage
- Paying someone separately to commission them
In fact, using ESI is usually the most cost-effective, time-saving, and compliant route.
Serving Farnborough, Camberley, Guildford, Reading and Beyond
We support businesses and landlords across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire with:
- One-off extinguisher installs
- Full fire safety system reviews
- Servicing and compliance packages
Whether you need a single extinguisher for a small office, or a full rollout across multiple properties, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Buy Fire Extinguishers the Right Way?
Yes, you can buy extinguishers online. But unless they’re commissioned, installed and signed off correctly, you might be buying more problems than protection.
With ESI, you get:
✅ Expert advice
✅ Proper equipment
✅ Professional installation
✅ Full compliance and peace of mind
Get in touch today and let us help you stay safe, legal and protected—without the stress.
